Types of memory modules and their characteristics. How to choose RAM (RAM, DDR), which memory module is better What memory modules exist

New generations of processors have stimulated the development of more high-speed memory SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) with a clock frequency of 66 MHz, and memory modules with such chips are called DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module).
For use with Athlon processors, and then with Pentium 4, the second generation of SDRAM chips was developed - DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM). DDR SDRAM technology allows data to be transferred on both edges of each clock pulse, which provides the ability to double throughput memory. With the further development of this technology in DDR2 SDRAM chips, it was possible to transmit 4 pieces of data in one clock pulse. Moreover, it should be noted that the increase in performance occurs due to optimization of the process of addressing and reading/writing memory cells, but the clock frequency of the memory matrix does not change. Therefore, the overall performance of the computer does not increase by two or four times, but only by tens of percent. In Fig. The frequency principles of operation of SDRAM microcircuits of various generations are shown.

The following types of DIMMs exist:

• 72-pin SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) - used for FPM DRAM (Fast Page Mode Dynamic Random Access Memory) and EDO DRAM (Extended Data Out Dynamic Random Access Memory)

• 100-pin DIMM - used for SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) printers

• 144-pin SO-DIMM - used for SDR SDRAM (Single Data Rate...) in laptop computers

• 168-pin DIMM - used for SDR SDRAM (less commonly for FPM/EDO DRAM in workstations/servers

• 172-pin MicroDIMM - used for DDR SDRAM (Double date rate)

• 184-pin DIMM - used for DDR SDRAM

• 200-pin SO-DIMM - used for DDR SDRAM and DDR2 SDRAM

• 214-pin MicroDIMM - used for DDR2 SDRAM

• 204-pin SO-DIMM - used for DDR3 SDRAM

• 240-pin DIMM - used for DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM and FB-DIMM (Fully Buffered) DRAM

• 244-pin Mini-DIMM – for Mini Registered DIMM

• 256-pin SO-DIMM - used for DDR4 SDRAM

• 284-pin DIMM - used for DDR4 SDRAM

To prevent installation of the wrong type of DIMM module, several slots (keys) are made in the module’s textolite board among the contact pads, as well as on the right and left in the area of ​​the module fixation elements on the system board. To mechanically identify different DIMM modules, a shift in the position of two keys in the module’s textolite board, located among the contact pads, is used. The main purpose of these keys is to prevent the installation of a DIMM module with an inappropriate supply voltage for memory chips into the socket. Additionally, the location of the key or keys determines the presence or absence of a data buffer, etc.

DDR modules are marked PC. But unlike SDRAM, where PC indicated the operating frequency (for example, PC133 - the memory is designed to operate at a frequency of 133 MHz), the PC indicator in DDR modules indicates the maximum achievable bandwidth, measured in megabytes per second.

DDR2 SDRAM

Standard name	Memory type	Memory frequency	Bus frequency	Data transfer per second (MT/s)
PC2-3200	DDR2-400	100 MHz	200 MHz	400	3200 MB/s
PC2-4200	DDR2-533	133 MHz	266 MHz	533	4200 MB/s
PC2-5300	DDR2-667	166 MHz	333 MHz	667	5300 MB/s
PC2-5400	DDR2-675	168 MHz	337 MHz	675	5400 MB/s
PC2-5600	DDR2-700	175 MHz	350 MHz	700	5600 MB/s
PC2-5700	DDR2-711	177 MHz	355 MHz	711	5700 MB/s
PC2-6000	DDR2-750	187 MHz	375 MHz	750	6000 MB/s
PC2-6400	DDR2-800	200 MHz	400 MHz	800	6400 MB/s
PC2-7100	DDR2-888	222 MHz	444 MHz	888	7100 MB/s
PC2-7200	DDR2-900	225 MHz	450 MHz	900	7200 MB/s
PC2-8000	DDR2-1000	250 MHz	500 MHz	1000	8000 MB/s
PC2-8500	DDR2-1066	266 MHz	533 MHz	1066	8500 MB/s
PC2-9200	DDR2-1150	287 MHz	575 MHz	1150	9200 MB/s
PC2-9600	DDR2-1200	300 MHz	600 MHz	1200	9600 MB/s

DDR3 SDRAM

Standard name	Memory type	Memory frequency	Bus frequency	Data transfer per second(MT/s)	Peak Data Rate
PC3-6400	DDR3-800	100 MHz	400 MHz	800	6400 MB/s
PC3-8500	DDR3-1066	133 MHz	533 MHz	1066	8533 MB/s
PC3-10600	DDR3-1333	166 MHz	667 MHz	1333	10667 MB/s
PC3-12800	DDR3-1600	200 MHz	800 MHz	1600	12800 MB/s
PC3-14400	DDR3-1800	225 MHz	900 MHz	1800	14400 MB/s
PC3-16000	DDR3-2000	250 MHz	1000 MHz	2000	16000 MB/s
PC3-17000	DDR3-2133	266 MHz	1066 MHz	2133	17066 MB/s
PC3-19200	DDR3-2400	300 MHz	1200 MHz	2400	19200 MB/s

The tables indicate exactly the peak values; in practice they may be unattainable.
To comprehensively evaluate the capabilities of RAM, the term memory bandwidth is used. It takes into account the frequency at which data is transmitted, the bus width and the number of memory channels.

Bandwidth = Bus frequency x channel width x number of channels

For all DDR, the number of channels = 2 and the width is 64 bits.
For example, using DDR2-800 memory with a bus speed of 400 MHz, the bandwidth will be:

(400 MHz x 64 bit x 2)/ 8 bit = 6400 MB/s

Each manufacturer gives each of its products or parts its internal production marking, called P/N (part number).
For memory modules from different manufacturers it looks something like this:

• Kingston KVR800D2N6/1G
• OCZ OCZ2M8001G
• Corsair XMS2 CM2X1024-6400C5

On the website of many memory manufacturers you can study how their Part Number is read.

Kingston Part Number	Description
KVR1333D3D4R9SK2/16G	16GB 1333MHz DDR3 ECC Reg CL9 DIMM (Kit of 2) DR x4 w/TS

When purchasing a flash drive, many people ask the question: “how to choose the right flash drive.” Of course, choosing a flash drive is not so difficult if you know exactly for what purpose it is being purchased. In this article I will try to give a complete answer to the question posed. I decided to write only about what to look for when buying.

A flash drive (USB drive) is a drive designed for storing and transferring information. The flash drive works very simply without batteries. You just need to connect it to USB port at your PC.

1. Flash drive interface

On this moment There are 2 interfaces: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. If you decide to buy a flash drive, then I recommend taking a flash drive with a USB 3.0 interface. This interface was made recently, its main feature is high speed data transmission. We'll talk about speeds a little lower.

This is one of the main parameters that you need to look at first. Now flash drives from 1 GB to 256 GB are sold. The cost of a flash drive will directly depend on the amount of memory. Here you need to immediately decide for what purpose you are buying a flash drive. If you are going to store it text documents, then 1 GB will be enough. For downloading and transferring movies, music, photos, etc. you need to take the more, the better. Today, the most popular flash drives are from 8GB to 16GB.

3. Housing material

The body can be made of plastic, glass, wood, metal, etc. Most flash drives are made of plastic. I can’t give any advice here; it all depends on the buyer’s preferences.

4. Data transfer rate

Earlier I wrote that there are two standards: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. Now I will explain how they differ. The USB 2.0 standard has read speeds of up to 18 Mbit/s and write speeds of up to 10 Mbit/s. The USB 3.0 standard has a read speed of 20-70 Mbit/s, and a write speed of 15-70 Mbit/s. Here, I think, there is no need to explain anything.

Now you can find flash drives in stores different forms and sizes. They can be in the form of jewelry, fancy animals, etc. Here I would advise taking flash drives that have a protective cap.

6. Password protection

There are flash drives that have a password protection feature. Such protection is carried out using a program that is located in the flash drive itself. The password can be set both on the entire flash drive and on part of the data in it. Such a flash drive will primarily be useful to people who transfer corporate information to it. According to the manufacturers, if you lose it, you don’t have to worry about your data. Not so simple. If such a flash drive falls into the hands of an understanding person, then hacking it is just a matter of time.

These flash drives look very beautiful, but I would not recommend buying them. Because they are very fragile and often break in half. But if you are a neat person, then feel free to take it.

Conclusion

As you noticed, there are many nuances. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. In my opinion, the most important parameters when choosing are: the standard of the flash drive, the capacity and speed of writing and reading. And everything else: design, material, options - this is just everyone’s personal choice.

Good afternoon, my dear friends. In today's article I want to talk about how to choose the right mouse pad. When buying a rug, many people do not attach any importance to this. But as it turned out, this point needs to be given special attention, because... The mat determines one of the indicators of comfort while working at a PC. For avid gamer Choosing a rug is a completely different story. Let's look at what types of mouse pads have been invented today.

Mat options

1. Aluminum
2. Glass
3. Plastic
4. Rubberized
5. Double sided
6. Helium

And now I would like to talk about each type in more detail.

1. First I want to consider three options at once: plastic, aluminum and glass. These rugs are very popular among gamers. For example, plastic mats are easier to find on sale. The mouse glides quickly and accurately on these mats. And most importantly, these mouse pads are suitable for both laser and optical mice. Aluminum and glass mats will be a little harder to find. Yes, and they will cost a lot. True, there is a reason for this - they will serve for a very long time. These types of rugs have minor flaws. Many people say that they rustle when operating and are a little cool to the touch, which may cause discomfort for some users.

2. Rubberized (rag) mats have soft sliding, but the accuracy of their movements is worse. For ordinary users, such a mat will be just right. And they are much cheaper than the previous ones.

3. Double-sided mats, in my opinion, are very interesting variety mouse pads. As the name suggests, these rugs have two sides. Typically, one side is high-speed and the other is high-precision. It happens that each side is designed for a specific game.

4. Helium mats have a silicone cushion. She supposedly supports the hand and relieves tension from it. For me personally, they turned out to be the most inconvenient. According to their intended purpose, they are designed for office workers, since they sit at the computer all day long. These mats are not suitable for casual users and gamers. The mouse glides very poorly on the surface of such mouse pads, and their accuracy is not the best.

Mat sizes

There are three types of rugs: large, medium and small. Here everything primarily depends on the taste of the user. But as is commonly believed, large rugs are good for games. Small and medium ones are taken mainly for work.

Rugs design

In this regard, there are no restrictions. It all depends on what you want to see on your rug. Fortunately, now they don’t draw anything on rugs. The most popular are logos computer games, such as Dota, Warcraft, ruler, etc. But if it happened that you couldn’t find a rug with the pattern you wanted, don’t be upset. Now you can order a print on a rug. But such mats have a disadvantage: when printing is applied to the surface of the mat, its properties deteriorate. Design in exchange for quality.

This is where I want to end the article. On my own behalf I wish to do you right choice and be happy with it.
For anyone who doesn’t have a mouse or wants to replace it with another one, I advise you to look at the article:.

Monoblocks Microsoft replenished new model all-in-one PC called Surface Studio. Microsoft recently presented its new product at an exhibition in New York.

On a note! I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago where I reviewed the Surface all-in-one. This candy bar was presented earlier. To view the article, click on.

Design

Microsoft calls its new product the world's thinnest candy bar. Weighing 9.56 kg, the thickness of the display is only 12.5 mm, the remaining dimensions are 637.35x438.9 mm. The display dimensions are 28 inches with a resolution greater than 4K (4500x3000 pixels), aspect ratio 3:2.

On a note! The display resolution of 4500x3000 pixels corresponds to 13.5 million pixels. This is 63% more than 4K resolution.

The all-in-one display itself is touch-sensitive, housed in an aluminum case. On such a display it is very convenient to draw with a stylus, which ultimately opens up new possibilities for using a candy bar. In my opinion, this candy bar model will be to your liking creative people(photographers, designers, etc.).

On a note! For people in creative professions, I advise you to look at the article where I reviewed all-in-one computers with similar functionality. Click on the highlighted one: .

To everything written above, I would add that the main feature of the candy bar will be its ability to instantly turn into a tablet with a huge working surface.

On a note! By the way, Microsoft has another amazing candy bar. To find out about it, go to.

Specifications

I will present the characteristics in the form of a photograph.

From the periphery, I note the following: 4 USB ports, Mini-Display Port connector, Ethernet network port, card-reader, 3.5 mm audio jack, 1080p webcam, 2 microphones, 2.1 Dolby Audio Premium audio system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The candy bar also supports Xbox wireless controllers.

Price

When purchasing an all-in-one PC, Windows 10 will be installed on it. Creators Update. This system should be released in spring 2017. This operating system will have updated Paint, Office, etc. The price for an all-in-one PC will be from $3,000.
Dear friends, write in the comments what you think about this candy bar, ask questions. I'll be glad to chat!

OCZ demonstrated the new VX 500 SSD drives. These drives will be equipped with a Serial ATA 3.0 interface and are made in a 2.5-inch form factor.

On a note! Anyone interested in how SSD drives work and how long they last can read in an article I wrote earlier:.

The new products are made using 15-nanometer technology and will be equipped with Tochiba MLC NAND flash memory microchips. The controller in the SSD drives will be Tochiba TC 35 8790.
The lineup VX 500 drives will consist of 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB. According to the manufacturer, the sequential read speed will be 550 MB/s (this is for all drives in this series), but the write speed will be from 485 MB/s to 512 MB/s.

The number of input/output operations per second (IOPS) with data blocks of 4 KB in size can reach 92,000 when reading, and 65,000 when writing (this is all at random).
The thickness of OCZ VX 500 drives will be 7 mm. This will allow them to be used in ultrabooks.

The prices of the new products will be as follows: 128 GB - $64, 256 GB - $93, 512 GB - $153, 1 TB - $337. I think in Russia they will cost more.

Lenovo presented its new gaming all-in-one IdeaCentre Y910 at Gamescom 2016.

On a note! Previously, I wrote an article where I already reviewed gaming monoblocks from different manufacturers. This article You can view it by clicking on this one.

The new product from Lenovo received a frameless display measuring 27 inches. The display resolution is 2560x1440 pixels (this is QHD format), the refresh rate is 144 Hz, and the response time is 5 ms.

The monoblock will have several configurations. The maximum configuration includes a 6 processor Intel generation Core i7, volume hard drive up to 2 TB or 256 GB. The amount of RAM is 32 GB DDR4. Will be responsible for graphics NVIDIA video card GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce GTX 1080 with Pascal architecture. Thanks to such a video card, it will be possible to connect a virtual reality helmet to the candy bar.
From the periphery of the candy bar, I would highlight the Harmon Kardon audio system with 5-watt speakers, the Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi module, a webcam, USB ports 2.0 and 3.0, HDMI connectors.

In its basic version, the IdeaCentre Y910 monoblock will go on sale in September 2016 at a price of 1,800 euros. But the candy bar with the “VR-ready” version will appear in October at a price of 2,200 euros. It is known that this version will contain GeForce video card GTX 1070.

MediaTek decided to modernize its mobile Helio processor X30. So now the developers from MediaTek are designing a new mobile processor called Helio X35.

I would like to briefly talk about Helio X30. This processor has 10 cores, which are combined into 3 clusters. Helio X30 has 3 variations. The first - the most powerful - consists of Cortex-A73 cores with a frequency of up to 2.8 GHz. There are also blocks with Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of up to 2.2 GHz and Cortex-A35 with a frequency of 2.0 GHz.

The new Helio X35 processor also has 10 cores and is created using 10-nanometer technology. The clock frequency in this processor will be much higher than that of its predecessor and ranges from 3.0 Hz. The new product will allow you to use up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The graphics in the processor will most likely be handled by the Power VR 7XT controller.
The station itself can be seen in the photographs in the article. In them we can see storage compartments. One bay has a 3.5" jack and the other has a 2.5" jack. Thus, it will be possible to connect to the new station as solid state drive(SSD) and HDD(HDD).

The dimensions of the Drive Dock station are 160x150x85mm, and the weight is no less than 970 grams.
Many people probably have a question about how the Drive Dock connects to a computer. I answer: this happens through the USB port 3.1 Gen 1. According to the manufacturer, the sequential read speed will be 434 MB/s, and in write mode (sequential) 406 MB/s. The new product will be compatible with Windows and Mac OS.

This device will be very useful for people who work with photo and video materials at a professional level. Drive Dock can also be used for backup copies files.
The price for the new device will be acceptable - it is $90.

On a note! Previously, Renduchinthala worked for Qualcomm. And since November 2015, he moved to a competing company, Intel.

In his interview, Renduchintala did not talk about mobile processors, but only said the following, I quote: “I prefer to talk less and do more.”
Thus, the Intel top manager created great intrigue with his interview. We can only wait for new announcements in the future.

RAM modules are manufactured on the basis of rectangular printed circuit boards with single-sided or double-sided arrangement of microcircuits. They differ in form factor and have different designs: SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module - memory module with single-row contacts); DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module - memory module with double-row contacts); SO DIMM (Small Outline DIMM - small DIMM size). The contacts of the memory module connectors are coated with gold or an alloy of nickel and palladium.

ModulesSIMM is a board with flat contacts along one side; They are installed into the motherboard connector at an angle and then rotated to the working (vertical) position using latches. There are two types of SIMMs: 30-pin, 9-bit (8 data bits and 1 parity bit); 72-pin, 32-bit (no parity) or 36-bit (parity). Therefore, the 32-bit bus required the use of four banks of 30-pin SIMMs or one 72-pin module; for a 64-bit bus - two banks of 72-pin modules.

ModulesDIMM There are two types: 168-pin (for installing SDRAM chips) and 184-pin DIMMs (for DDR SDRAM chips). They are identical in installation dimensions, inserted into the connector motherboard vertically and fixed with latches. During the transition period, motherboards were equipped with connectors for both types of DIMM modules, but currently SIMM and 168-pin DIMM modules are outdated and not used in PCs.

ModulesSO DIMM with 72- and 144-pin connectors are used in portable PCs. They are installed into the motherboard in the same way as SIMM modules.

Currently, the most popular DIMM modules are DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM and DDR3 SDRAM chips.

DIMMs based on DDR SDRAM chips are available with 184 pins (Fig. 1).

Rice. 1. 184-pin DIMM board:

1 - DDR SDRAM chips; 2 - microcircuit buffer memory and error control; 3 - cutouts for mounting the board; 4 - key; 5 - connector

The key on the memory module is a cutout in the board, which, in combination with a corresponding protrusion in the motherboard connector, prevents the module from being installed the wrong way around. In addition, the key for incompatible RAM modules may have different placement (move between contacts in one direction or the other), indicating the supply voltage rating (2.5 or 1.8 V) and protecting against electrical damage.

Memory chips such as DDR2, DDR3, which replace DDR, are produced in the form of 240-pin DIMM modules.

Modern memory modules for PCs are supplied in 512 MB, 1.2 and 4 GB versions.

At the time of this writing, the market is dominated by third-generation DDR memory modules, or DDR3. DDR3 memory has higher clock speeds (up to 2400 megahertz), lower power consumption by approximately 30-40% (compared to DDR2) and correspondingly lower heat dissipation.

However, you can still find DDR2 memory and outdated (and therefore terribly expensive in places) DDR1 memory. All these three types are completely incompatible with each other, both electrically (DDR3 has lower voltage) and physical (see image).

The necessary and sufficient amount of RAM depends on the operating system and application programs that determine the intended use of the PC. If you plan to use the computer for office or “multimedia” purposes (Internet, working with office applications, listening to music, etc.), 1024 MB of memory (1 GB) will be enough for you. For demanding computer games, video processing, sound recording and mixing of musical compositions at home - at least 2 GB (2048 MB) of RAM. Preferably - 3 gigabytes. It should also be noted that 32-bit versions (x86) of Windows do not support more than 3 gigabytes of RAM. Also note that operating systems Windows Vista and Windows 7, to work comfortably with them, they require at least 1 GB of RAM, and when all graphic effects are enabled, up to 1.5 gigabytes.

Characteristics and markings of RAM

Consider the markings

4096Mb (2x2048Mb) DIMM DDR2 PC2-8500 Corsair XMS2 C5 BOX

1024Mb SO-DIMM DDR2 PC6400 OCZ OCZ2M8001G (5-5-5-15) Retail

Volume

The first designation in the line is the size of the memory modules. In particular, in the first case it is 4 GB, and in the second case it is 1 GB. True, 4 GB in this case is implemented not by one memory stick, but by two. This is the so-called Kit of 2 - a set of two planks. Typically, such kits are purchased to install strips in dual-channel mode in parallel slots. The fact that they have the same parameters will improve their compatibility, which has a beneficial effect on stability.

Type of shell

DIMM/SO-DIMM is a type of memory stick housing. All modern memory modules are available in one of the two specified designs.

Memory type

Memory type is the architecture by which the memory chips themselves are organized. She affects everything specifications memory - performance, frequency, supply voltage, etc.

Data transfer frequencies for memory types:

DDR: 200-400 MHz

DDR2: 533-1200 MHz

DDR3: 800-2400 MHz

The number indicated after the memory type is the frequency: DDR400, DDR2-800.

Memory modules of all types differ in supply voltage and connectors and cannot be inserted into each other.

The data transfer frequency characterizes the potential of the memory bus to transfer data per unit time: the higher the frequency, the more data can be transferred.

However, there are other factors, such as the number of memory channels and memory bus width. They also affect the performance of memory subsystems.

The computer needs random access memory (RAM) modules just like the processor. Without RAM, the processor will not be able to work. It writes and reads from the RAM the data it needs to perform certain operations. When needed fast access to data, work directly with hard drive the processor cannot, primarily because its operating speed is too low.

The faster the RAM, the better. Memory speed is determined by its bus frequency, which depends on the type of memory. Today you can find the following types of RAM in use (listed in chronology of appearance):

SDR SDRAM (bus clock frequency 66 - 133 MHz);

DDR SDRAM(100 – 267 MHz);

DDR2 SDRAM (400 – 1066 MHz);

DDR3 SDRAM (800 – 2400 MHz).

The principle of operation of memory of these types is the same. They process the processor command stream as a kind of pipeline. Main feature This pipeline is that when a read command enters the storage device, the output data does not appear immediately, but after some time (after a certain number of bus cycles). This time is called memory latency or timings (SDRAM latency) and the shorter it is, the more productive the memory is. This parameter, like the bus frequency, also needs to be taken into account when choosing RAM.

For example, there are two RAM modules of the same type with a bus frequency of 800 MHz and memory latencies of 4-4-4 and 5-5-5. Of these, the first option will be more productive.

It is more difficult to compare memory with different frequencies. As a rule, memory modules with a higher frequency also have higher latencies, and the speed gain from this frequency will actually not be as large as it seems at first glance. For example, DDR3-1333MHz with 9-9-9 timings is only slightly ahead of DDR2-800MHz with 4-4-4 latencies, and DDR3-1333MHz with 7-7-7 latencies is somewhere equal in performance to DDR2-1067MHz.

But the future still lies with newer types of RAM. DDR4 SDRAM (2133 – 4266 MHz) has already been developed, the use of which, according to experts, will become a widespread phenomenon by 2015.

Different types RAM modules also differ significantly in appearance (connector, number of contacts, etc.). If the motherboard is designed to use one type of memory, it is impossible to install another type of RAM on it, since it will not even physically fit into the slot. There are adapters that allow you to install DDR2 modules in DDR slots, but they are not widely used, since they can only be used on motherboards whose system logic supports working simultaneously with DDR and DDR2.

In addition to operating speed, an important characteristic of RAM is also its volume, which must correspond to the range of tasks solved using the computer, as well as installed on it software. For example, office computer With Windows system XP for working with text, browsing the Internet and performing other simple operations, even 512 MB of RAM is enough. If installed on the same computer operating system Windows7, to solve the same problems you will need at least 2048 MB of RAM, since Windows7 itself requires more memory. If the system does not have enough RAM, then when running resource-intensive programs free memory may end. In this case, the computer will use part of the hard drive to expand it (the so-called page file or swap file, specially reserved by the operating system). Considering that the speed of accessing data on a hard drive is hundreds of times lower than the speed of accessing RAM, the performance of the computer in such cases drops significantly, by system unit The hard drive busy indicator is constantly on and you can hear the characteristic crackling noise of its hard work.

When purchasing RAM modules, it is important to consider two more points:

1. If the computer will use a 32-bit operating system (which at the time of preparation of this material was preferred by most users), there is no particular point in installing more than 4 GB of RAM on this machine, since the system will “see” only 3 GB of RAM and another 25 % of what is left (i.e. if you set 4 GB, only 3.25 GB will be used). To use more RAM, a 64-bit operating system is required;

RAM(RAM, Random Access Memory, RAM) is one of the main parts in a computer. This is a volatile component that stores machine code, incoming/outgoing and intermediate data while the computer is running. The process of choosing RAM seems clear at first glance, but it contains many nuances that need to be taken into account in order to purchase quality components.

The easiest way to choose a RAM stick is to use the list of recommended modules on the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard installed on the computer. Since these parts of the PC are inextricably linked with each other (including the processor), it makes sense to pay attention to the manufacturer’s advice. The recommended RAM modules listed on his website will definitely work on your PC.

Another tip to follow when purchasing RAM sticks is matching with other hardware. When buying an inexpensive motherboard and a budget processor, do not choose expensive RAM, because it will not reveal its potential during operation. But it is very important to pay attention to the technical characteristics of RAM.

Main settings

When purchasing new RAM, pay attention to the main parameters that will help you make the right choice.

First, determine what type of RAM is suitable for your motherboard. This parameter is indicated in its description. Today there are four types: SDRAM, DDR (DDR1), DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.

The most common type of RAM today is DDR3. Unlike modules of the previous generation, it operates at a clock frequency of up to 2400 MHz and consumes 30-40% less power compared to its predecessor. In addition, it has a lower supply voltage, so it generates less heat.

All types of RAM are incompatible with each other in terms of electrical (supply voltage differs) and physical parameters (control holes are located in different places). The photo shows why a DDR3 RAM module cannot be installed in the DDR2 socket.

Healthy! Now the DDR4 standard is gaining popularity. It features lower power consumption and higher operating frequencies (prospect for growth up to 3200 MHz).

The form factor characterizes the size of the RAM sticks. There are two types:

• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) – installed on desktop PCs;
• SO-DIMM – for installation in laptops or monoblocks.

Bus frequency and bandwidth

The performance of RAM depends on these two parameters. The bus frequency characterizes the amount of information transmitted per unit of time. The higher it is, the more information will pass through the bus in the same time period. There is a directly proportional relationship between bus frequency and bandwidth: if the RAM frequency is 1800 MHz, theoretically it has a bandwidth of 14400 MB/sec.

Do not chase high RAM frequencies on the basis of “the more, the better.” For the average user, the difference between 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz is invisible. It is important only for professional users who are engaged in video rendering, or for overclockers trying to “overclock” the RAM.

When choosing a frequency, take into account the tasks you set for the computer and its configuration. It is desirable that the operating frequency of the RAM modules coincide with the frequency at which the motherboard operates. If you connect a DDR3-1800 stick to a motherboard that supports the DDR3-1333 standard, the RAM will run at 1333 MHz.

In this case, the more, the better - this is the optimal description of the parameter. Today, the minimum allowable amount of RAM that should be installed on a computer or laptop is 4 GB. Depending on the tasks performed on the device, the amount of RAM can be 8, 32 or even 128 GB. For an ordinary user, 8 GB will be enough; for a specialist working with video processing programs, or for a gamer, 16-64 GB of RAM will be needed.

RAM timings are characterized by delays in operation. They are calculated in nanoseconds, and in the description they are indicated by a sequential set of numbers: 9-9-9-27, where the first three parameters are: CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS Precharge Time and DRAM Cycle Time Tras/Trc. They characterize the performance in the “memory-processor” segment, which directly affects the efficiency of the computer. The lower these values, the lower the delay and the faster the PC will perform.

Some companies indicate only one number in the description of RAM modules - CL9. It characterizes CAS Latency. Basically it is equal to or lower than other parameters.

Good to know! The higher the RAM frequency, the higher the timings, so you need to choose the optimal ratio for yourself.

RAM sticks are sold with the designation “Low Latency”. This means that when high frequencies they have low timings. But their cost is higher than that of conventional models.

Modes

To increase computer performance, special operating modes of RAM strips are used: one-, two-, three-channel and Flex-Mode. In this case, the speed of the system theoretically increases two, three or more times.

Important! Motherboard must support these operating modes. The description for it indicates which slots you need to install the brackets in to enable the desired mode.

• Single channel mode starts when one RAM module is used or all the sticks have different parameters. In this case, the system operates at bar speed with the lowest frequency.
• Dual channel mode turns on when two RAM modules with the same characteristics (frequency, timings, volume) are installed in the connectors. The performance increase is 10-20% in games and 20-70% when working with graphics.
• Three channel mode activated when three identical RAM sticks are connected. In reality, it does not always outperform dual-channel mode.
• Flex-Mode (flexible)– increases PC performance when using two RAM sticks of the same frequency, but different in volume.

Important! It is advisable that the memory sticks be from the same delivery batch. There are kits on sale consisting of two to four modules that are completely compatible with each other in operation.

When buying digital equipment, pay attention to the manufacturer. Among the companies producing RAM modules, the most popular are: Corsair, Kingston, GoodRam, Hynix, Samsung and others.

It is interesting that the market for the production of memory chips for RAM modules is almost completely divided between three large companies: Samsung, Hynix, Micron. And large manufacturers use their chips to produce their own models.

Modern RAM sticks operate at low power consumption, so they generate little heat. In view of this, there is no need to buy models with installed radiators. But if you are a fan of overclocking hardware, then take care of purchasing RAM modules with heatsinks. They will prevent them from burning out during overclocking.

If necessary, the user can purchase a cooling system for RAM, consisting of radiators and fans. It is also intended for use by overclockers.

Selecting an existing plank

When purchasing a new RAM module to add to one already installed in your PC, remember that often such combinations do not work together. But if you decide to buy, make sure that the timings and bus frequencies are the same. In addition, choose RAM sticks from the same manufacturer.

Video

If you don't fully understand how to choose RAM, watch this video.